National Weather Service, state and local response agencies use March 3-7 to promote spring severe weather safety

The National Weather Service, the State Emergency Management Agency and
Missouri's local emergency management offices urge Missourians to use Missouri Severe
Weather Awareness Week, March 3-7, to plan and prepare for how they will react to
tornadoes, flash flooding and other severe weather. Missouri will conduct the 40th annual
Statewide Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 4 at 1:30 p.m. If severe weather is in the
forecast on March 4, the drill will be moved to Thursday, March 6 at 1:30 p.m.

"It's important to remember that tornadoes and dangerous flash flooding can develop rapidly
and with little warning," Gov. Jay Nixon said. "I encourage Missourians to talk at home, at
work and at school about severe weather safety so that in times of real emergency, folks are
prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings."

"I encourage all Missourians, including schools, businesses and recreational groups, to use
Severe Weather Awareness Week to plan and practice how they will respond to severe
weather in specific scenarios—indoors, outside and while traveling," said State Emergency
Management Agency Director Michael Barrett. "Reacting quickly and properly can save
lives.”

On March 4, Missouri outdoor warning sirens and weather alert radios will sound, indicating
that Missourians should seek shelter during the statewide tornado drill. The safest shelter
location is the basement or an interior room in the lowest level of a building. The drill is complete
once everyone is accounted for in the designated shelters.

Missouri's Stormaware.mo.gov
website includes detailed videos showing how to react to
severe weather and shelter in specific types of buildings—houses with and without basements,
mobile homes, schools—and important information about tornado sirens and weather alert
radios. The site also includes links to free severe weather texting services that can alert people
across Missouri to upcoming severe weather.

· Overpasses are not safe. An overpass' under-the-girder-type
construction can cause a
dangerous wind tunnel effect.

· If you are driving,you should stop and take shelter in a nearby building.

· If you are driving in a rural area, drive away from
the tornado to the closest building. If you
cannot get away, seek shelter in a roadside ditch. Protect yourself from flying debris by
covering your head with your arms, a coat or a blanket. Be prepared to move quickly in
case the ditch fills with water

· Never drive into standing water. It can take less than
six inches of fast moving water to make a
slow moving car float. Once floating, a vehicle can overturn and sink.